Ian

by Denise Irwin

  “Ms. Williams, I know that this is hard, but I have to ask you if he ever threatened you.”

  Everyone watched as she sucked a significant amount of air into her lungs. “Yes he has. On more than one occasion, he told me that if he ever saw me out with another man, he would kill him.”

  “Your Honor, I have no more questions for this witness.”

  “Does the Defense wish to cross?”

  “No Your Honor it does not.”

  “Ms. Williams you may step down. I am going to call for a one hour lunch break. Lunch had been set up in the Jury room for the jurors. We will reconvene at 1:00.”

  Delven went with her client to the courthouse lockup. She pleaded with him, “Mr. Thompson, please tell me that you’ll decline from giving testimony.”

  “I’m going to testify whether you like it or not.”

  “If there’s nothing that I can do or say, then testify.”

  Gregory’s team walked to the tavern across the street. Gregory walked with Ellie. “I didn’t intend to upset you.”

  “I know that Mr. Gregory, but it’s just the sight of him that has me undone. Did I do a good job?”

  “I guess that you didn’t see the jurors’ faces.”

  “No I didn’t. I glanced at Bob once and at Mark once.”

  “They connected with you, probably for many reasons, but in my opinion, you did really well. Now that you’ve testified, you may sit in the courtroom.”

  “Thank you because I’m very interested in who the defense attorney has for witnesses.”

  They walked back to the courthouse and Leona didn’t miss seeing Bob and Ellie holding hands.

  Everyone sat until the bailiff came in to call out, “All rise as the Honorable Aaden Kavanagh enters the courtroom.”

  “Is the Defense prepared to call its witness to the stand?”

  “Yes Your Honor it is. The Defense calls Mark Thompson to the stand. Mr. Thompson will give his testimony.”

  Delven walked back to the defense table and sat. After being sworn in, Thompson started his testimony. “My name is Mark Thompson, and I would like to speak to the jury. I did not murder Ian Macgill. I didn’t know him. Why would I kill a man that I didn’t know? I know Ellie Williams and I had to fight off her advances, so what she said in her testimony were lies. Someone planted that evidence to incriminate me and I know that you will agree that I have done nothing wrong.”

  Kavanagh asked, “Mr. Thompson have you completed your testimony?”

  “Yes sir, I have.”

  “Then you may step down.”

  “Is the State prepared to present its closing summation?”

  “Yes Your Honor it is.”

  “Then, please proceed.”

  Gregory walked to face the jury. “Ladies and Gentleman of the jury, I would first like to thank you for fulfilling your responsibility in this fine State by serving on the jury. In its opening summation, the State promised you enough evidence to vote for a conviction. A case must also contain motive. Ms. Williams’ testimony clearly provided the motive. During her testimony, she stated that her parents took out a restraining order to keep the defendant away from her. She also testified that the defendant told her that if he ever saw her with another man that he would kill that man. The evidence points to the fact that he carried out that threat.

  “During his testimony, the defendant said that he had to fight off Ms. Williams’ advances and yet there was a restraining order in place prohibiting him from any contact with Ms. Williams. The defendant also stated during his testimony that someone else committed the crime. If that were true, how did his DNA end up under the victim’s fingernails? If that were true, how did the piece of the shirt found by the Medical Examiner match the defendant’s DNA? The State firmly believes that the motive in this case was clearly his threat to murder anyone he saw with Ms. Williams. The State urges you to vote for a conviction.

  “Your Honor, the State has concluded its closing summation.”

  “Thank you counselor. Is the Defense prepared to make its closing summation?”

  “Yes Your Honor it is.”

  “Then, please proceed.”

  Delven stood to walk to the jury box. She stood quietly in front of the jurors collecting her thoughts. “The State gave a compelling closing summation. It also provided the jury with evidence and testimony to support that evidence. My client has not led an honest life, he has a troubled past and was working toward a better future. If he is convicted, he’ll never have the opportunity to prove that he can live a law abiding life.

  “Your Honor, the Defense has concluded its closing summation.”

  “Thank you. Andy please take the jurors into the jury room, I’ll be there shortly to ask if the jurors want to deliberate now or later.”

  Everyone in the courtroom stayed in their seats to hear what the Judge will tell them about the deliberation.

  <>

  Kavanagh went into the jury room. “It’s now 4:00, by a show of hands, which jurors would like to start deliberating today?”

  Every hand went up, so he continued, “You were given new numbers when you were brought in. Will Numbers 13 and 14 raise your hands? Thank you. You do not have a say or a vote to cast. Will Number 12 please raise a hand? Thank you, you are appointed as the foreman and you will count the votes. This is a capital offense case which means that there must be a unanimous vote either for acquittal or guilty. If there are any questions, the foreman will pass them to the bailiff and Andy will bring them to me. Dinner will be served in the jury room.”

  <>

  Kavanagh went back to the courtroom to announce, “The jury had elected to start deliberating now. My secretary will call the attorneys once a verdict has been reached.”

  Gregory said, “Okay, let’s head to the tavern around corner to wait for the verdict.”

  Sam and Brian pulled some tables together so they could sit together. Leona told Ellie and Bob, “Its happy hour, so make sure that you eat. We don’t know how long we’ll sit here.”

  Sam leaned over to say, “We’ll go out to dinner if there’s a conviction.”

  Bob asked, “What do you do if there’s an acquittal?”

  “We put our tails between our legs and face the ground.”

  “Sam stop it. If there’s an acquittal, we still go out to dinner because the team worked very hard, even if I lost the case.”

  Brian sat starring at the wall. Sam knew that he was processing the trial in his head believing that he didn’t get the guilty verdict that he needed.

  “Brian, don’t start beating yourself up until we hear the verdict. You do this to yourself every time we wait for the jury.”

  Phil added, “Sam’s right. As long as I’ve known you, you do behave the same way.”

  The door opened and Delven stepped in, “Brian, can I wait with your team.”

  Brian said, “Of course you can.”

  Sam grabbed an empty chair for her to sit it. “Becca, you made it just in time to see Brian’s meltdown.”

  “Brian, please tell me why in the hell you do that? I’m the one who should be doing that.”

  Ellie leaned over to whisper to Bob, “Is it normal for the prosecutor and the defense counsel to talk?”

  Delven had heard the question, so she answered it, “The case is in the jurors’ hands, so we can talk as long and we don’t talk about the aspects of the trial in the event of an appeal, we’d both be disbarred if we do. What I can say, now that it’s over and done, Ms. Williams your testimony was stellar.”

  “Thank you.”

  Before Becca could say anything more, both cell phones rang. They answered in stereo and replied in stereo. Brian and Becca said, “The jury’s in.”

  Stefan said, “I’ve got the bill, so Mandy and I will meet you in the courtroom.”

  Gregory’s team entered the courtroom and sat on the bench behind the prosecutor’s table. They watched as the defendant was brought into the courtroom by two State Police Office
rs, along with his attorney. Gregory saw Becca’s face and knew that she had been threatened in the short time she was in the courthouse.

  They watched as the bailiff led the jurors into the courtroom and waited until they sat. He left to tell Kavanagh, that everyone was in place.

  The bailiff called out “All rise as The Honorable Aaden Kavanagh enters the courtroom.”

  He told everyone, “Please be seated. Mr. Foreman has the jury reached a verdict?”

  “Yes Your Honor it has.”

  “Please hand the count to the bailiff.”

  Andy brought the note to Kavanagh, who looked at it and handed it back.”

  “Mr. Foreman please read the verdict.”

  “We the jury, find Mark Thompson guilty of the charge of Premediated Murder.”

  “Members of the jury you have performed your services well and I commend you. The Clerk’s 0ffice has your check. So please collect it on your way out. If anyone from the media approaches you, it is your choice to talk with them or not talk with them.” Kavanagh then set sentencing for Monday, January 13, at 9:00 am. This court is now adjourned.”

  Brian said, “I’ll bring Bob and Ellie with Phil and me if you can take them home.”

  “Got it.”

  “See if you can get the patio. I don’t expect that there will be much ado about this case, so as soon as I’m sure there isn’t any, we’ll be on our way.

  He and Delven stood alone on the steps. “Becca do you want to meet us at Mike’s?”

  “Brian, I’ll be there.”

  Before leaving the parking lot, Sam called Mr. Macgill. “Ivan, the jury convicted Thompson. Sentencing is scheduled for January 13. I’ll call with the sentence.”

  “Sam, that is music so my ears. Have a wonderful Holiday season and we’ll talk in the New Year.”

  During the drive, he told his wife about the call. She smiled at him, but said nothing.

  Sam and Leona were the first to arrive, so Sam asked the bartender, “We’ve got a group of ten can we eat on the patio?”

  “You sure can, I’ll bring out your drinks along with your bottle. The heaters are on, so it’s warm.

  Amanda and Stefan arrived next and ordered their drinks on their way to the patio. Becca walked onto the patio behind Phil and Brian, along with their two passengers, Bob and Ellie.

  Bob and Ellie focused on the bottles as they walked through the bar and restaurant. Brian said, “This is a Grand Marnier Club. Those bottles belong to the members. I’m sure that Sam has pulled his bottle out. This is where we come to celebrate a conviction or of course, commiserate a loss.”

  When everyone was on the deck, Gregory asked, “Will everyone raise their glass to the best team that I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.” He saw that Becca hadn’t raised her glass. “That includes you Becca because you’re a tough cookie to go up against.”

  She laughed, “Why does Phil put up with you?”

  “Because he loves me and I not bullshitting you when I say you’re the best frigging defense attorney I’ve ever been up against.”

  Sam ordered two of every appetizer on the menu and when they were gone he ordered two of everything on the menu again.

  Ellie said, “Becca, you seem so happy and yet you lost.”

  “Would you be happier if I won?”

  “Oh my God no.”

  “As a public defender it is my job to defend someone who can’t afford an attorney. Thompson refused everything I tried to do to at least get him a reduced sentence.”

  “Did he threaten you?”

  “Yes he did, Ellie, but when I thought about it, I realized that the only thing he knew was to make threats.”

  Gregory said, “I know it’s getting late, but is everyone up for our Saturday training class?”

  That question brought a great deal of laughter, Leona said, “Of course we’ll all be there.”

  As Brian paid the bill, Amanda said, “Brian, we live closer to downtown, Stef and I will take them back to the courthouse to get their car.”

  During the drive, Ellie asked, “What did Brian mean about the Saturday training class?”

  “We’re taking dog agility training classes.”

  “Do you have a dog?”

  “No we don’t. We went to watch Leona and Sam’s children who are in a child’s class and it looked like a lot of fun. Leona registered us for the adult class.”

  Bob asked, “Where are the classes held?”

  “The adult classes are held on Saturdays at 2:00 at the Perry Hall Middle School.”

  “I know where the school is, so can Ellie and I come watch?”

  “You sure can. The classes are held in the gymnasium and the bleachers are released for people to sit on. I’m sure that Leona and Sam’s children will be there.”

  <>

  Thompson sat in his cell fuming with anger. He had told that bitch that he wanted an acquittal and what happened? The jury found him guilty and he would have to stay in this hell hole until sentencing. He needed an escape plan.

  Chapter Twelve

  On Wednesday morning, Leona called her mother. “Ma, we can pick the kids up from school today.”

  “No you will not, I’ll pick them up and feed them dinner and will then bring them home with the dog.”

  “Just to let you know, before you go through all that, this was a straightforward murder case.”

  “I don’t care daughter, because I want to hear about it anyway, so I’ll see you after dinner.”

  With that said Nancy hung up on her daughter.

  Sam said, “I only heard your side of the conversation, but I think that I can tell you what she said.”

  “I’m sure that you can because on more than one occasion, she’s bribed us with our children.”

  “I can’t and won’t deny that, but you have to admit that it’s better to have a mother who’s interested in what you’re doing rather than one who doesn’t care.”

  “I know that you’re right, but there are times when I think that she’s just being nosey.”

  He chuckled and then said, “I’m not touching that. What’s on your to-do list for today?”

  “My list contains one item, ‘To-do nothing. I might read, because the house is clean, the laundry is caught up and I’ve got a ton of snack food, so I have everything for my mother’s inquisition.”

  Leona made lunch and that was about it. They spent the day just being lazy because they were recovering from last night’s celebration party.

  At dinner time, she asked, “Sam, what do you want for dinner?”

  “Lee, I’ll wait until your parents get here and eat the snacks that you put together.”

  “No sir, you’re not doing that. I’ll go see what we can eat.”

  When she called him in for dinner he wasn’t surprised to find cream of tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches.

  He said, “Great idea, babe. I must’ve partied too much last night and this wasn’t even a high profile win.”

  “Sam, I think that it was an emotional win for all of us.”

  “I think you’re right on that one.”

  They heard Leona’s parents come through the door with their children and dog. Sam looked at his wife and said, “Show time.”

  The children and the dog ran into the kitchen to give their parent hugs and kisses hello.

  Nancy said, “I baked a cherry pie and thought that Molly and Jack could join us for dessert.”

  Leona knew that her mother baked the pie as a peace offering for telling her mother that she bribed her with her children. “Thanks Ma. I’ll put on the coffee.”

  Bill said, “Don’t bother; your mother and I will have an alcoholic beverage with ours. Coffee would keep us up all night. We’re still on for Saturday, right?”

  “That’s right.”

  After dessert, Molly and Jack asked to be excused from the table to go upstairs and unpack their bags.

  “Before you start telling my wife about the case, let
me refresh your drink.”

  “I had very little involvement in this case, so I’m gonna let Sam tell you about it.”

  Sam told them who the victim was and why he was in the States. He went on to tell them how he was murdered and where his body was found.

  “A jury convicted him of murder and we’re now waiting for sentencing.”

  “Leona, didn’t his parents send you the Thanksgiving Day center piece?”

  “That’s right Ma.”

  Bill asked, “Sam, I thought that I heard you say that everyone in the town paid for his education to become a doctor. Did I hear that right?”

  “Yes you did. The Macgill’s own a B&B and invited us over to see Stonehaven.”

  “That would be a great family vacation.”

  Leona laughed, “It sure would, Dad. Maybe we could plan one for next summer.”

  “I’ll get your mother working on it. It’s late and we gotta get home, so we’ll see you on Saturday.”

  Leona and Sam walked her parents out to Bill’s car. They returned to the kitchen for a nightcap. Sam said as he handed his wife a glass of wine, “I think that it went well.”

  “I also thought the same thing.”

  <>

  During dinner, Thompson and the other inmate got into yet another physical fight. Thompson broke his arm and that landed him back in solitary. He didn’t give a shit because he didn’t need to see or talk to that bastard.

  <>

  On Saturday morning during breakfast, Jack said, “This is gonna be fun to watch the adults run alone with the dog.”

  Sam asked, “Do you think that we can’t do it?”

  “That’s not what I’m saying Dad. I just think that it’ll be fun.”

  “I apologize for misunderstanding you and I also think that it will be fun.”

  “Do either of you have homework to complete?”

  They both nodded their heads. “Then I suggest that you go and do it. We don’t have to be to the school until 2:00 this afternoon, which means that we’ll have lunch before we leave for the school.”

  They nodded their heads and went upstairs to do homework. They came down for lunch and after they cleared the plates, they put their tem into the dish washer and then sat at the table watching the clock.